Medicaid Income Limits in Virginia
Virginia expanded Medicaid, so an adult under 65 qualifies for Cardinal Care with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level — about $1,732 a month for one person and $2,969 for a household of three, with or without children.
2026 Cardinal Care Income Limits in Virginia
Virginia expanded Medicaid
That single fact sets the limit: adults aged 19–64 are measured against 138% of the federal poverty level, with or without children, and there is no asset test for this group.
Monthly and annual income limits in Virginia at 138% of the federal poverty level, the level a parent or caretaker adult is measured against. Medicaid counts modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for this group, so pre-tax retirement contributions and some deductions reduce the income that counts.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,732 | $20,783 |
| 2 people | $2,351 | $28,207 |
| 3 people | $2,969 | $35,632 |
| 4 people | $3,588 | $43,056 |
| 5 people | $4,207 | $50,480 |
| 6 people | $4,825 | $57,905 |
| 7 people | $5,444 | $65,329 |
| 8 people | $6,063 | $72,754 |
Source: state Medicaid eligibility levels as most recently published (2024); states may revise them. Children, pregnant women, people who are 65+, blind or disabled, and people needing long-term care are measured against different rules — usually higher income limits, and for the last group an asset test as well.
Where to Apply in Virginia
- Agency: Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
- Online: CommonHelp
- Phone: 855-242-8282
- Program name in Virginia: Cardinal Care
Agency details change; confirm on the state website before you call or apply.
Understanding These Limits
- Annual Limit: Your total household income for the year must be at or below this amount.
- Monthly Limit: Your monthly income (annual divided by 12) must be at or below this amount.
- Household Size: Count yourself, your spouse, and all dependents living with you.
- Income Counted: Generally includes wages, self-employment, Social Security, pensions, and other regular income before taxes.
- MAGI household: Medicaid counts your tax household — you, your spouse and anyone you claim as a dependent — not simply the people living with you.
Medicaid in Virginia: Common Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Virginia in 2026?
Virginia expanded Medicaid, so an adult under 65 qualifies for Cardinal Care with monthly income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,732 a month for one person, $2,969 for a household of three and $3,588 for four — $20,783 and $35,632 a year respectively. Children, pregnant women and people who are 65+, blind or disabled are measured against different and generally higher limits.
Can I get Medicaid in Virginia if I have no children?
Yes. Because Virginia expanded Medicaid, adults aged 19–64 with no children qualify for Cardinal Care on income alone, at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. You do not need to be disabled, pregnant or a parent.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Virginia?
Apply for Cardinal Care online through CommonHelp at coverva.dmas.virginia.gov, run by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, or by phone at 855-242-8282. Medicaid has no open-enrolment window — you can apply any day of the year, and coverage can be backdated up to three months if you were eligible then.
How long does Virginia take to approve Medicaid?
15–45 days is the normal range. Federal rules give Virginia 45 days to decide most applications and 90 days when a disability determination is required. Coverage, once granted, is generally backdated to the first day of the month you applied.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid in Virginia?
Children are covered at much higher incomes than adults everywhere — Virginia covers children through Medicaid and CHIP well above the adult limit, so apply for them separately even if you are denied. Pregnancy coverage also uses a higher limit. Above those, a Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit is the next step, and people who are 65+ or on Medicare should check the Medicare Savings Programs instead.
Medicaid Income Limits in Other States
Whether a state expanded Medicaid changes the income limit from 138% of poverty to as little as 15%.